13
Maintenance
wARnInG!
Before performing any mainte-
nance, repair, or cleaning work on the
unit, make sure the engine and cutting
attachment are completely stopped.
Disconnect the spark plug wire before
performing service or maintenance.
wARnInG!
Non-standard accessories, cut-
ting attachment, or replacement parts
may not operate properly with your unit
and may cause damage and lead to per-
sonal injury.
IMPORTAnT!
MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR OF EMISSION CONTROL DEVICES AND SYSTEMS MAY BE PERFORMED BY
ANY REPAIR ESTABLISHMENT OR INDIVIDUAL; HOWEVER, WARRANTY REPAIRS MUST BE PERFORMED BY A DEALER
OR SERVICE CENTER AUTHORIZED BY ECHO,INC. THE USE OF PARTS THAT ARE NOT EQUIVALENT IN PERFORMANCE
AND DURABILITY TO AUTHORIZED PARTS MAY IMPAIR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
AND MAY HAVE A BEARING ON THE OUTCOME OF A WARRANTY CLAIM.

General maintenance

nOTE:
Using non-standard replacement parts could invalidate your Shindaiwa warranty.

Mufer

This unit must never be operated with a faulty or missing
spark arrester or muffler. Make sure the muffler is well
secured and in good condition. A worn or damaged muffler
is a fire hazard and may also cause hearing loss.

Spark Plug

Keep the spark plug and wire connections tight and clean.

Fasteners

Make sure nuts, bolts, and screws (except carburetor adjust-
ing screws) are tight.

Air Filter

The H4 engine that powers your Shindaiwa model is a hybrid
4-stroke engine. As a hybrid, the engine is lubricated by oil mixed
with the gasoline and air from the carburetor that moves through
and around the internal parts of the engine in a similar way that a
2-stroke engine is lubricated. Without the heavy duty 2-stage air
filter equipped on all H4 engines, dust and dirt could also move
through the engine, decreasing engine life, increasing valve wear
and the need for more frequent valve adjustments. To keep your
H4 engine strong and reliable, Shindaiwa recommends that you
check and service the air filter as instructed in the 10-Hour Main-
tenance section that follows.
Prior to each work day, perform the
following:
Remove all dirt and debris from the
■
engine, check the cooling fins and
air cleaner for clogging, and clean as
necessary.
Carefully remove any accumula-
■
tions of dirt or debris from the muf-
fler and fuel tank. Check cooling
air intake area at base of crankcase.
Remove all debris. Dirt build-up in
these areas can lead to engine over-
heating, fire, or premature wear.

Daily maintenance

Lubricate the blades before use and ■
after refueling. Check the cutters for
damage or incorrect adjustment.
Clean any debris or dirt from the cut-
■
ting attachment.
Remove all dirt and debris from the engine and check the cooling ns
Cooling
ns
Air
intake
Cooling
ns
wARnInG!
Always wear gloves when
working around the cutter assembly. Check for loose or missing screws or ■
components. Make sure the cutter
attachment is securely fastened.
Check the entire unit for leaking fuel
■
or grease.
Make sure nuts, bolts, and screws ■
(except carburetor idle speed adjust-
ing screws) are tight.